"You should be grateful," her mother called out, breaking the silence. "This marriage saves you from uselessness. »
Ellie looked up. "Grateful? You sell me like an object. You didn't even ask my opinion. »
Her mother shrugged, oblivious to the anger brewing in her daughter's voice. "You don't have to have an opinion. You are just a dead weight to this family. Without a wolf, without value. Victor Hartfang takes pity on you. You better thank the gods that he agreed to this alliance. »
Ellie clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She wanted to scream, to throw in their faces everything she had been holding back for years. But she knew it wouldn't change anything. His father, silent until then, finally spoke.
"It's for the good of the pack, Ellie. For the sake of our family. Don't make things harder than they already are. »
He avoided her gaze, as always. A weak man, hiding behind his wife and his traditions. Ellie felt rage building inside her, rage that she had nowhere to channel.
"What if I refuse? » she finally blurted out, her voice trembling with the effort she put into not bursting.
His mother burst out laughing, a dry, cruel sound. "You don't have that luxury. You are nothing here. And you will be even less if you dare to challenge Victor. Do what you're told, and you can at least have some semblance of a future. »
Ellie looked away, unable to bear their contempt any longer. She had grown up under the weight of their judgment, their rejection. But this...this was a betrayal she hadn't seen coming.
That evening, she stood in front of the large wooden door of the Hartfang mansion. Her simple clothes contrasted with the cold richness of the place. Her heart pounded as the door opened, revealing a man she recognized immediately. Victor Hartfang.
He was exactly as they described him: imposing, with an icy aura that seemed to repel all human warmth. His steel gray eyes looked at her without any emotion. She felt naked under his gaze, reduced to nothing more than an object of exchange.
"Eleanor Wainwright," he said at last, his voice low and sharp. " Between. We have to discuss. »
She hesitated for a split second, but finally entered, feeling her back stiffen under the weight of his gaze. He led her into a living room where a fire was crackling in the hearth. But even this heat seemed artificial, unable to penetrate the frigid atmosphere he gave off.
"So, it's you," he said, sitting down in an armchair, eyeing her as if she were a rare and paltry curiosity at the same time.
She remained standing, refusing to show the slightest weakness. " Yes. And you are Victor Hartfang. The man who agrees to marry a woman he doesn't even know. For what ? »
A joyless smile touched his lips. "You are direct. It's surprising. To answer your question, this marriage is just a formality. Your parents see it as a strategic alliance. I see it as a contract. Nothing more. »
Ellie felt a shiver run down her spine. "And what do you want in return? Because I doubt it's just for my charm or my company. »
He raised an eyebrow, amused by her insolence. "You don't need to know. All you need to understand is that your life here will be different. I will not tolerate disobedience or insubordination. Do what you're told, and everything will be fine. »
"What if I refuse? »
A tense silence fell, then he stood up, slowly approaching her. His gaze pierced her, cold and implacable.
"You don't have that choice," he said, his voice almost a whisper, but so heavy with menace that it took her breath away. "This wedding will take place. Whether you like it or not. »
Ellie took a step back, feeling her courage waver. But she stood up quickly, refusing to show him her fear.
"Very well," she said finally, her voice steady despite the panic brewing inside her. "But don't expect me to be docile. »
Victor let out a short, heartless laugh. "We'll see how long this bravado lasts. »
He turned on his heel, leaving her alone in the living room. Ellie clenched her fists, swearing inwardly that she wouldn't let herself be crushed. If she had to live in this hell, she would find a way out. Whatever it costs.